Abstract
Background
Rilpivirine (RPV), a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor drug, could be a favourable drug for maintenance therapy in HIV-infected adolescents because it has few long-term side effects. However, data among adolescents switching from efavirenz (EFV) to RPV are limited. This study investigated the pharmacokinetics (PK), safety and efficacy of RPV in virologically suppressed HIV-1-infected adolescents after switching from EFV.
Methods
Adolescents aged 12–18 years on EFV-based antiretroviral therapy (ART) were switched from EFV to RPV (25 mg, once daily). Intensive 24-h blood samplings at 0 (pre-dose), 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 9, 12 and 24 h were performed 4 weeks after switching. PK parameters were calculated using a non-compartmental method and compared with published data from the PAINT and pooled ECHO/THRIVE substudies. HIV RNA level was measured at weeks 12 and 24. Biochemical profiles were measured at baseline and week 24.
Results
From January to June 2016, 20 adolescents (12 male) were enrolled. Median (IQR) age was 16 (15–17) years and weight was 49 (42–59) kg. Mean (
Conclusions
Virologically suppressed HIV-infected adolescents had adequate RPV exposure and remained virologically suppressed after switching from EFV. RPV can be used as long-term maintenance ART in HIV-infected adolescents.